Manali, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is one of India’s most sought-after travel destinations, known for its breathtaking landscapes, adventure sports, and serene atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip from Bangalore to Manali, you have multiple travel options, including flights, trains, buses, and road trips. Since there is no direct connectivity, you’ll need to take a combination of transport modes to reach your destination comfortably. This guide will provide you with detailed insights on how to reach Manali from Bangalore, covering the best routes, travel options, estimated costs, and tips for a hassle-free journey.
How to Reach Manali from Bangalore
Bangalore to Manali Fare Table (Approximate Costs in INR)
| Travel Mode | Route | Duration | Fare (Per Person) | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Bus | Bangalore → Delhi → Manali | 12–16 hours | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 (Flight) + ₹800 – ₹2,000 (Bus) | Local transport in Delhi |
| Flight + Taxi | Bangalore → Delhi → Manali | 12–14 hours | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 (Flight) + ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 (Taxi) | Shared taxi options available |
| Flight + Bus | Bangalore → Chandigarh → Manali | 10–14 hours | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 (Flight) + ₹700 – ₹1,800 (Bus) | Chandigarh local transport |
| Flight + Taxi | Bangalore → Chandigarh → Manali | 10–12 hours | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 (Flight) + ₹5,000 – ₹9,000 (Taxi) | Faster than bus |
| Train + Bus | Bangalore → Chandigarh → Manali | 48+ hours | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 (Train) + ₹800 – ₹2,000 (Bus) | Food during the train journey |
| Train + Taxi | Bangalore → Chandigarh → Manali | 48+ hours | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 (Train) + ₹5,000 – ₹9,000 (Taxi) | More comfortable than a bus |
| Train + Bus | Bangalore → Kalka → Manali | 50+ hours | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 (Train) + ₹900 – ₹2,000 (Bus) | Kalka local transport |
| Self-Drive (Car Rental) | Bangalore → Delhi → Manali | ~50 hours | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 (Fuel & Toll) | Food, hotel stays on the way |
| Self-Drive (Bike Rental) | Bangalore → Manali | ~50 hours | ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 (Fuel & Rental) | Overnight halts, bike maintenance |
How to Reach Manali from Bangalore by Air (Fastest Way)
Step 1: Fly from Bangalore to Chandigarh or Delhi
The most convenient and fastest way to reach Manali from Bangalore is by taking a flight to Chandigarh or Delhi, as Manali does not have an airport.
- Bangalore to Delhi (BLR – DEL)
- Flight Duration: ~2.5 to 3 hours
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air, Go First
- Frequency: Multiple flights daily
- Bangalore to Chandigarh (BLR – IXC)
- Flight Duration: ~3.5 to 4 hours (with layovers)
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India
- Frequency: Limited flights
Step 2: Travel from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali
Option 1: By Bus (Affordable & Comfortable)
Once you land in Delhi or Chandigarh, you can take a direct bus to Manali.
- From Delhi:
- Distance: ~530 km
- Travel Time: 12–14 hours
- Bus Types: Volvo AC, Semi-Sleeper, Luxury Coaches
- Bus Operators: HRTC, HPTDC, Private Operators (Zingbus, IntrCity)
- Departure: Buses leave from ISBT Kashmiri Gate
- From Chandigarh:
- Distance: ~290 km
- Travel Time: 8–10 hours
- Bus Types: Volvo AC, Luxury Coaches
- Departure: Sector 43 ISBT Chandigarh
Option 2: By Private Taxi or Self-Drive (Flexible & Scenic)
- From Delhi: 12–14 hours (via NH44 & NH3)
- From Chandigarh: 8–10 hours (via NH205 & NH3)
- Car Rental: Available at Delhi and Chandigarh airports
How to Reach Manali from Bangalore by Train (Budget-Friendly but Time-Consuming)
Since Manali does not have a railway station, you must take a train to Chandigarh, Kalka, or Joginder Nagar and then continue by road.
Step 1: Take a Train from Bangalore to Chandigarh/Kalka
- Bangalore to Chandigarh:
- Train: Yeshvantpur–Chandigarh Sampark Kranti Express (Train No. 22685)
- Duration: ~48 hours (2 days)
- Bangalore to Kalka:
- Train: Yesvantpur–Himachal Express (Train No. 16511)
- Duration: ~47 hours
- Kalka is famous for the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage railway.
Step 2: Travel from Chandigarh/Kalka to Manali
- Chandigarh to Manali: 8–10 hours by bus/taxi
- Kalka to Manali: 9–11 hours by road
💡 Pro Tip: If you love scenic journeys, take the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train to Shimla and then a bus/taxi to Manali.
How to Reach Manali from Bangalore by Road (For Adventure Lovers)
If you love long road trips and adventure, driving from Bangalore to Manali is an exciting option.
Route 1: Bangalore – Delhi – Manali (Most Common Route)
- Bangalore to Delhi: 2,170 km (~35–40 hours) via NH44
- Delhi to Manali: 530 km (~12–14 hours) via NH44 & NH3
- Total Distance: ~2,700 km
- Total Duration: ~50+ hours (excluding breaks)
Route 2: Bangalore – Chandigarh – Manali (Scenic & Preferred by Bikers)
- Bangalore to Chandigarh: 2,100 km (~36–40 hours) via NH44
- Chandigarh to Manali: 290 km (~8–10 hours) via NH205
- Total Distance: ~2,400 km
- Total Duration: ~45+ hours
Best Stopovers for a Comfortable Journey
- Bangalore to Nagpur: (~1,000 km) First halt
- Nagpur to Agra/Jaipur: (~900 km) Second halt
- Agra/Jaipur to Delhi/Chandigarh: (~350–500 km)
🚗 Pro Tip: Rent a self-drive SUV for a comfortable and smooth journey, especially for the hilly terrain from Chandigarh to Manali.
Best Time to Visit Manali
Manali offers a unique experience in every season.
| Season | Best For | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (March–June) | Sightseeing, Trekking, Adventure Activities | 10°C – 25°C |
| Monsoon (July–September) | Lush Greenery (Landslides Possible) | 10°C – 20°C |
| Winter (October–February) | Snowfall, Skiing, Snowboarding | -5°C – 10°C |
Best Time to Visit: October to June (Avoid monsoons due to landslides).
Things to Do in Manali
Once you reach Manali, explore these amazing places:
Top Attractions
- Solang Valley: Paragliding, skiing, and cable car rides
- Rohtang Pass: Snow-capped beauty (Open May–October)
- Hadimba Temple: Ancient wooden temple amidst cedar forests
- Old Manali: Hippie vibes, cafés, and live music
- Jogini Waterfalls: Scenic trek and peaceful spot
Adventure Activities
- River Rafting: Beas River
- Trekking: Hampta Pass, Beas Kund, Bhrigu Lake
- Paragliding: Solang Valley and Gulaba
Budget Breakdown for Bangalore to Manali Trip
| Expense | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Flight (Bangalore to Delhi/Chandigarh) | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Train (Bangalore to Chandigarh/Kalka) | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Bus from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali | ₹800 – ₹2,000 |
| Taxi from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Accommodation (Per Night) | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Food (Per Day) | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Local Transport & Sightseeing | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
💡 Budget Tip: Traveling by train and bus is the most cost-effective way to reach Manali from Bangalore.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Reach Manali from Bangalore
| Travel Mode | Time Taken | Cost | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Bus/Taxi | 12–16 hours | ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Train + Bus/Taxi | 48+ hours | ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Road Trip | 50+ hours | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
For the fastest and most comfortable journey, take a flight to Delhi or Chandigarh and then a bus or taxi to Manali. If you’re on a budget, go for a train to Chandigarh/Kalka and then a bus. For adventure lovers, a self-drive road trip can be an unforgettable experience.
Now that you know how to reach Manali from Bangalore, start planning your trip and get ready for a mesmerizing Himalayan adventure! 🚗🏔️
Conclusion
Reaching Manali from Bangalore may seem like a long journey, but with the right planning, it can be an exciting and comfortable experience. Whether you choose a quick flight to Chandigarh or Delhi followed by a scenic road trip, or opt for a budget-friendly train and bus journey, each option offers a unique travel experience. If adventure is on your mind, a self-drive road trip can add an extra thrill to your journey. No matter which route you take, Manali’s mesmerizing beauty and fresh mountain air make every effort worthwhile. Plan your trip wisely, book your tickets in advance, and get ready to explore the paradise of the Himalayas! 🚆✈️🚗🏔️